UK News

The Court of Appeal has ruled that a local authority did not abuse religious liberty when it dismissed a civil registrar for refusing to carry out civil partnerships. Lilian Ladele had argued that her rights as a Christian had been breached.

Employees of the arms company Lockheed Martin experienced a surprise seasonal visit when activists turned up in festive costume to sing “updated” carols. The singers focused on the company's role in making nuclear weapons.

Aid agencies have backed demands by African countries that the future of the Kyoto Protocol should take precedence at the UN’s Copenhagen climate change summit and that talks be focused on this issue and no other until it is resolved.

A unique coalition of faith-based and non-religious organisations is calling on the House of Lords to reject wide exemptions for religious organisations at its second reading of the Equality Bill on 15 December 2010.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has appointed a clergyman as its senior chaplain, but emphasises that his role will be to ensure that the diverse pastoral and spiritual needs of the service are met.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has for the first time publicly condemned Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill. His statement follows weeks of pressure and a petition signed by thousands urging him to speak out against the Bill.

The Methodist Church has become the largest British denomination so far to condemn Uganda’s proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Their stance is expected to increase pressure on Anglican and Catholic leaders to speak out against the Bill.

Over the next few months the Church of Scotland will urge members of congregations to write to alcohol producers and their MSPs in support of the minimum pricing proposals contained in the Alcohol Bill.

Democracy campaigners have reacted with anger and dismay to news that the UK Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, has issued a 'veto' certificate under section 53 of the Freedom of Information Act over Cabinet minutes about devolution.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is facing strong criticism for participating in a carol service at a church that carries out “exorcisms” of gay people. The incident is being compared to Ken Livingstone's hosting of a fundamentalist Muslim.